At the A1 level, '엄중하다' (eom-jung-ha-da) is a very advanced word that you probably won't use. However, you can think of it as a 'very, very serious' version of words you might know, like '무거워요' (it's heavy) or '안 좋아요' (it's not good). In Korean, '엄' means strict and '중' means heavy. So, imagine a big, heavy stone that represents a rule. That is the feeling of this word. You might see it on a sign that says 'No Smoking' or 'Keep Out' if the sign is very formal. For now, just remember: it's a 'serious' word for 'serious' adults in 'serious' places like courts or the news. You don't need to use it yet, but if you hear it, know that something important and not-funny is happening.
At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more adjectives. '엄중하다' is used when a situation is very grave or serious. It is much more formal than '심각해요' (it's serious). You might hear it in a Korean drama when a boss is angry or when the news talks about a crime. A good way to remember it is through the phrase '엄중한 경고' (eom-jung-han gyeong-go), which means a 'stern warning.' If you break a rule in a game, a 'warning' is '경고.' If that warning is very scary and serious, it is '엄중한 경고.' You should use '심각하다' for most things, but '엄중하다' is for when there are big consequences or punishments involved.
As a B1 learner, you should begin to distinguish between different types of 'seriousness.' '엄중하다' is an adjective that describes things that are grave, solemn, or strictly enforced. Unlike '진지하다' (which describes a person's sincere attitude) or '심각하다' (which describes a problematic situation), '엄중하다' carries a sense of authority. It is frequently used with words like '처벌' (punishment), '책임' (responsibility), and '시국' (the state of affairs). If you are writing a formal essay about social issues, using '엄중하다' will make your Korean sound much more professional. For example, instead of saying 'The problem is big,' you can say 'The situation is grave' (상황이 엄중하다). This shows you understand the weight of the topic.
At the B2 level, you are expected to use '엄중하다' in appropriate formal contexts. This word is essential for understanding news reports, editorials, and legal discussions. It implies that a situation is so serious that it requires a disciplined and strict response. You should be able to use the adverbial forms '엄중히' and '엄중하게' correctly. For instance, '엄중히 다스리다' (to rule/handle strictly) is a common collocation in historical or legal contexts. You should also recognize its Hanja roots: 嚴 (strict) and 重 (heavy). This will help you distinguish it from '엄격하다' (strict personality/rules) and '위중하다' (critically ill). Use it when discussing national security, legal violations, or high-stakes corporate responsibilities.
For C1 learners, '엄중하다' is a tool for nuanced expression in high-level discourse. It conveys not just gravity, but a specific type of 'majestic' or 'authoritative' seriousness. In political rhetoric, it is often used to emphasize the 'solemn duty' or 'grave responsibility' of a leader. You should understand how it functions in the phrase '엄중한 낙인' (a heavy stigma) or '엄중한 심판' (a grave judgment). At this level, you should also be aware of the stylistic choice between '엄중히' and '엄중하게' in formal writing, where '엄중히' often feels more traditional and weighty. You can use it to critique the tone of a meeting or the enforcement of a law, noting whether the '엄중함' was appropriate or excessive.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of '엄중하다' and its place in the linguistic hierarchy. You can use it to navigate the complexities of Korean jurisprudence and political commentary. You understand that '엄중하다' is not just about the severity of a situation, but about the preservation of order and the dignity of the law. You can analyze how the word is used in Supreme Court rulings to justify the necessity of a harsh sentence for the sake of social stability. You also understand its historical weight, tracing its usage from royal decrees to modern constitutional debates. Your use of this word is precise, utilizing it to distinguish between mere 'problems' and 'grave existential challenges' facing a society or an institution.

엄중하다 در ۳۰ ثانیه

  • A formal adjective meaning 'grave' or 'stern'.
  • Used for serious warnings, punishments, and national crises.
  • Carries a sense of authority and strictness.
  • Common in news, law, and formal announcements.

The Korean adjective 엄중하다 (嚴重--) is a sophisticated and heavy-hitting word that translates to 'grave,' 'serious,' 'stern,' or 'severe.' It is composed of the Hanja characters 嚴 (엄), meaning strict or majestic, and 重 (중), meaning heavy or important. When you use this word, you are signaling that a situation is not just 'serious' in a general sense (like 심각하다), but that it carries a weight of authority, moral consequence, or legal severity. It is the language of judges, high-ranking officials, and historical narrators. It describes an atmosphere where there is no room for playfulness or leniency. Imagine a courtroom where a judge is about to deliver a life sentence, or a military commander addressing a breach of security; in these moments, the air is 엄중하다.

Aura of Authority
This word is frequently used to describe the nature of warnings (경고) or punishments (처벌). When the government issues an '엄중한 경고,' it means they are not just annoyed; they are prepared to take the strongest possible legal action.
Situational Gravity
It describes the state of affairs (시국) or the atmosphere (분위기). In times of national crisis or pandemic, the situation is often described as '엄중하다' to emphasize that every citizen must follow rules strictly.

정부는 이번 불법 행위에 대해 엄중하게 대처할 방침입니다.

Translation: The government plans to deal with this illegal act in a stern/grave manner.

In daily conversation, you won't hear this word often between friends unless they are joking about something being unnecessarily serious. If a friend says '분위기가 왜 이렇게 엄중해?' (Why is the atmosphere so grave?), they might be teasing you for being too stiff. However, in news broadcasts, you will hear it daily. It is the go-to word for reporting on North Korean relations, constitutional violations, or major economic shifts. It implies a sense of duty and the necessity of a disciplined response. It is not just about the 'problem' itself, but about the 'standard' that must be upheld.

그는 엄중한 표정으로 서류를 검토했다.

Translation: He reviewed the documents with a grave expression.
Legal Context
Used for sentences and legal accountability. '엄중한 처벌을 면치 못할 것이다' (Will not be able to avoid severe punishment).

Historically, this word was used to describe the dignity of a king or the strictness of Confucian rituals. Today, that DNA remains; it carries a sense of 'majesty' that other words for 'serious' lack. When something is 엄중하다, it demands your full attention and respect. You cannot laugh it off or treat it casually. It is a word that draws a line in the sand, indicating that the consequences of crossing it are absolute and heavy.

Using 엄중하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as a descriptive verb (adjective). It can modify nouns directly, serve as the predicate of a sentence, or be turned into an adverb (엄중히 or 엄중하게) to describe how an action is performed. Because of its formal register, it is almost always used with polite or formal endings like -습니다 or -ㄴ다 (in writing).

Noun Modification
When modifying a noun, use the form '엄중한'. Common pairings include '엄중한 시기' (a grave time), '엄중한 책임' (heavy responsibility), and '엄중한 경고' (stern warning).

지금은 국가적으로 매우 엄중한 시기입니다.

Translation: Now is a very grave time for the nation.

When you want to describe how someone deals with a problem, the adverbial form 엄중히 is preferred in highly formal texts, while 엄중하게 is common in speech and journalism. These adverbs usually precede verbs like '다스리다' (to rule/handle), '처벌하다' (to punish), or '묻다' (to hold/ask for responsibility).

법원은 피고인의 죄를 엄중히 물었다.

Translation: The court held the defendant strictly accountable for their crime.
The 'Strict' Nuance
When describing rules or discipline, '엄중하다' implies that the rules are not just hard, but are applied without exception. '규율이 엄중하다' means the discipline is iron-clad.

In academic writing, you might see this word used to describe the 'rigor' of a study or the 'gravity' of a philosophical problem. For example, '연구의 엄중함' (the rigor/gravity of the research). It elevates the tone of the sentence immediately. If you are writing a formal letter of apology or a report on a mistake at work, using '엄중하다' to describe your sense of responsibility (책임을 엄중하게 느끼고 있습니다) shows that you understand the weight of your actions far better than using the simpler '죄송합니다'.

그 사안은 결코 가볍게 볼 수 없는 엄중한 문제입니다.

Translation: That matter is a grave issue that can by no means be taken lightly.

If you turn on the 9 o'clock news in Korea, you are almost guaranteed to hear 엄중하다 within the first ten minutes. It is the language of power and policy. News anchors use it to frame the current political climate, especially during elections, diplomatic tensions, or economic downturns. You will hear phrases like '엄중한 시국' (grave state of affairs) constantly during national crises. It creates a sense of collective urgency and sobriety.

Legal Dramas and Crime News
In dramas like 'Stranger' (비밀의 숲) or 'Juvenile Justice' (소년심판), characters often discuss '엄중한 처벌' (severe punishment). Prosecutors use this word in their closing arguments to demand that the law be applied to its fullest extent.

"사회 질서를 어지럽힌 죄를 엄중히 다스려야 합니다."

Translation: "We must strictly punish the crime of disrupting social order."

Another common place is in historical dramas (Sageuk). When the King is angry or when a high official is being interrogated, '엄중하다' is used to reflect the absolute authority of the monarch. The word fits perfectly with the traditional Hanbok and the grand architecture of the palace because it feels ancient and unyielding. Even in modern corporate settings, during a '징계 위원회' (disciplinary committee), the tone will be described as '엄중하다'.

소속사는 루머 유포자에 대해 엄중한 법적 대응을 예고했다.

Translation: The agency announced a stern legal response against those spreading rumors.

Finally, you'll see it in school or university settings during exams. The '엄중한 감독' (strict supervision) ensures that no cheating occurs. In every case, where there is a rule to be followed and a consequence for failing, 엄중하다 is the word that defines the boundary. It is not a word of warmth or flexibility; it is a word of stone and iron.

The most common mistake learners make is using 엄중하다 in casual or low-stakes situations. Since it means 'serious,' learners often substitute it for 심각하다 or 진지하다. However, saying '배가 고파서 상황이 엄중해요' (The situation is grave because I'm hungry) sounds incredibly weird and overly dramatic, unless you are purposefully making a high-level linguistic joke. It's like saying 'The famine of my stomach is a matter of state gravity' in English.

Confusing it with 엄격하다 (Strict)
While both mean 'strict,' 엄격하다 is usually about a person's personality or a set of rules (e.g., a strict teacher, strict rules). 엄중하다 is more about the weight and gravity of the enforcement or the situation itself. You have a 'strict teacher' (엄격한 선생님), but a 'stern warning' (엄중한 경고).

❌ 우리 아버지는 매우 엄중하십니다.
✅ 우리 아버지는 매우 엄격하십니다.

Note: Use '엄격하다' for people's personalities.

Another mistake is the confusion between 엄중히 and 엄중하게. While both are correct, using 엄중히 in a casual text message feels out of place. It is reserved for formal documents or speeches. In a workplace email to a colleague, 엄중하게 is safer, though still very formal. If you use this word to describe a small mistake, like forgetting to buy milk, it will come across as sarcastic or confusing to native speakers.

Lastly, learners sometimes forget that 엄중하다 is an adjective. They might try to use it as a noun without the proper suffix. If you want to say 'the gravity of the situation,' you must say '상황의 엄중함' (adding -함 to make it a noun). Simply saying '상황의 엄중' is grammatically incomplete in modern Korean sentences.

사태의 엄중함을 깨달아야 합니다.

Translation: You must realize the gravity of the situation.

To truly master 엄중하다, you need to know how it sits among its synonyms. Korean has many words for 'serious' or 'strict,' and choosing the wrong one can change the entire feeling of your sentence. Let's compare the most common alternatives.

엄중하다 vs. 심각하다 (Serious)
심각하다 is the general word for 'serious.' It describes a problem that is hard to solve (e.g., pollution, a deep wound). 엄중하다 is about the weight and authority. A situation can be both, but '엄중하다' sounds more official and disciplined.
엄중하다 vs. 엄격하다 (Strict)
엄격하다 is used for people's characters or the rules themselves. 'My mom is strict' = '우리 엄마는 엄격해.' You wouldn't say '엄중해' here unless your mom is literally a military dictator issuing state decrees.
엄중하다 vs. 준엄하다 (Stern/Severe)
준엄하다 is even more intense and literary. It's often used for 'the stern judgment of history' (역사의 준엄한 심판). It feels even more 'majestic' and 'unsparing' than 엄중하다.

가벼운 농담도 통하지 않는 엄중한 분위기였다.

Translation: It was a grave atmosphere where even light jokes wouldn't pass.

In some contexts, 가혹하다 (harsh/cruel) might be an alternative if the 'strictness' feels unfair. However, '엄중하다' usually implies that the strictness is justified or necessary because of the gravity of the situation. Another word, 위중하다, is specifically for medical conditions (a patient being in critical/grave condition). Don't use '엄중하다' for a sick person; use '위중하다'.

By choosing '엄중하다' over '심각하다', you are telling your listener: 'I am taking this very seriously, and I recognize the authority and the rules involved.' It is a word that builds credibility in formal Korean communication.

چقدر رسمی است؟

نکته جالب

The character 嚴 (엄) is the same one used in '엄마' (mother) in some contexts of folk etymology (though linguistically unrelated), symbolizing the 'strict' parent.

راهنمای تلفظ

UK /ʌm.dzuŋ.ɦa.da/
US /ʌm.dʒuŋ.ɦɑ.dɑ/
The stress is naturally placed on the second syllable '중' (jung) because of its long vowel sound.
هم‌قافیه با
신중하다 (to be cautious) 정중하다 (to be polite) 막중하다 (to be of great importance) 귀중하다 (to be precious) 진중하다 (to be serious/composed) 부중하다 (to be unsteady - rare) 중중하다 (to be layered - rare) 과중하다 (to be excessive)
خطاهای رایج
  • Pronouncing 'eo' as 'o' (e.g., Omjunghada). It should be an open 'u' sound.
  • Over-emphasizing the 'h' in 'hada', making it sound choppy.

سطح دشواری

خواندن 4/5

Common in newspapers but requires Hanja knowledge for deep understanding.

نوشتن 5/5

Difficult to use naturally without sounding overly dramatic or stiff.

صحبت کردن 4/5

Mainly used in formal presentations or serious discussions.

گوش دادن 3/5

Easy to recognize in news reports once learned.

بعداً چه یاد بگیریم؟

پیش‌نیازها

무겁다 심각하다 경고 처벌 상황

بعداً یاد بگیرید

준엄하다 위중하다 막중하다 단호하다

پیشرفته

법치주의 사법부 공권력 문책

گرامر لازم

-하게 (Adverbializer)

엄중하게 대처하다.

-히 (Adverbializer)

엄중히 처벌하다.

-ㄴ/은 (Adjective noun modifier)

엄중한 경고.

-함 (Noun derivative suffix)

사태의 엄중함.

-아/어 마땅하다 (Deserve to)

엄중히 단죄되어 마땅하다.

مثال‌ها بر اساس سطح

1

상황이 엄중합니다.

The situation is serious/grave.

Formal ending -습니다.

2

엄중한 경고를 받았어요.

I received a stern warning.

Adjective modifying 'warning'.

3

분위기가 엄중해요.

The atmosphere is grave.

Polite ending -아요/어요.

4

그는 엄중한 표정입니다.

He has a grave expression.

Adjective modifying 'expression'.

5

규칙은 엄중합니다.

The rules are strict/grave.

Simple adjective sentence.

6

엄중하게 말했어요.

He spoke sternly.

Adverbial form -하게.

7

이 일은 엄중해요.

This matter is serious.

Demonstrative '이' + noun.

8

엄중한 목소리입니다.

It is a stern voice.

Adjective modifying 'voice'.

1

정부는 엄중한 대책을 세웠습니다.

The government established grave measures.

Past tense verb + adjective noun.

2

법을 어기면 엄중한 처벌을 받습니다.

If you break the law, you receive severe punishment.

Conditional -면.

3

선생님은 엄중하게 꾸짖으셨어요.

The teacher scolded sternly.

Honorific -으셨어요.

4

지금은 매우 엄중한 시기입니다.

Now is a very grave time.

Adverb '매우' + adjective.

5

그의 잘못은 엄중했습니다.

His fault was grave.

Past tense adjective.

6

엄중한 분위기 속에서 회의가 열렸다.

The meeting was held in a grave atmosphere.

Noun + 속에서 (inside/amidst).

7

경찰은 엄중하게 수사하고 있습니다.

The police are investigating sternly/strictly.

Present progressive -고 있다.

8

이것은 엄중한 약속입니다.

This is a solemn/grave promise.

Adjective modifying 'promise'.

1

사안의 엄중함을 고려하여 결정하겠습니다.

I will decide considering the gravity of the matter.

Noun form -함 + object marker.

2

국가 안보가 엄중한 상황에 처해 있습니다.

National security is in a grave situation.

Idiom '상황에 처하다' (be in a situation).

3

그는 자신의 책임을 엄중히 통감하고 있다.

He is deeply feeling his grave responsibility.

Adverb '엄중히' + verb '통감하다'.

4

부정행위는 엄중히 처벌될 것입니다.

Cheating will be strictly punished.

Passive future tense -될 것이다.

5

이번 사태는 결코 가볍지 않은 엄중한 일입니다.

This incident is a grave matter that is by no means light.

Double negation for emphasis.

6

엄중한 잣대로 자신을 평가해야 합니다.

You must evaluate yourself with a strict standard.

Metaphorical '잣대' (standard/ruler).

7

재판부는 피고인에게 엄중한 형을 선고했다.

The court sentenced the defendant to a severe penalty.

Subject '재판부' (the bench).

8

사회적 분위기가 매우 엄중하게 흘러가고 있다.

The social atmosphere is moving in a very grave direction.

Verb '흘러가다' (to flow/proceed).

1

불법 파업에 대해 엄중하게 대처할 방침이다.

They plan to deal sternly with the illegal strike.

Noun + 에 대해 (about/regarding).

2

그는 엄중한 훈계로 학생의 잘못을 바로잡았다.

He corrected the student's mistake with a stern admonition.

Instrumental particle -로.

3

역사는 이 순간을 엄중하게 기록할 것입니다.

History will record this moment gravely.

Personification of 'History'.

4

군기는 엄중하게 유지되어야 한다.

Military discipline must be strictly maintained.

Must-do form -어야 한다.

5

양국 관계가 엄중한 기로에 서 있습니다.

Relations between the two countries stand at a grave crossroads.

Metaphorical '기로' (crossroads).

6

검찰은 이번 비리 사건을 엄중히 들여다보고 있다.

The prosecution is looking into this corruption case strictly.

Verb '들여다보다' (look into/examine).

7

그의 행동은 법의 엄중한 심판을 피할 수 없었다.

His actions could not avoid the grave judgment of the law.

Potential form -ㄹ 수 없었다.

8

우리는 이 위기를 엄중하게 받아들여야 합니다.

We must take this crisis gravely.

Compound verb '받아들이다'.

1

헌법 질서를 파괴하는 행위는 엄중히 단죄되어야 마땅하다.

Acts that destroy the constitutional order deserve to be strictly condemned.

-어 마땅하다 (deserve to/right to).

2

시대적 소명이 그 어느 때보다 엄중하게 느껴집니다.

The calling of the times feels more grave than ever.

Comparative '보다'.

3

사법부의 엄중한 독립성이 민주주의의 근간이다.

The strict independence of the judiciary is the foundation of democracy.

Abstract noun usage.

4

그는 엄중한 침묵으로 자신의 의사를 표시했다.

He expressed his will through a grave silence.

Oxymoron-like 'grave silence'.

5

공직자로서 엄중한 도덕적 잣대가 요구됩니다.

A strict moral standard is required as a public official.

Passive '요구되다'.

6

이 보고서는 환경 오염의 엄중한 실태를 고발하고 있다.

This report exposes the grave reality of environmental pollution.

Verb '고발하다' (accuse/expose).

7

정치권은 민심의 엄중한 경고를 새겨들어야 한다.

The political sphere must take the people's stern warning to heart.

Verb '새겨듣다' (listen carefully/take to heart).

8

학문적 엄중함을 잃은 연구는 가치가 없다.

Research that has lost its academic rigor/gravity has no value.

Adnominal clause ending in -은.

1

존재의 엄중함 앞에서 인간은 한없이 작아진다.

Before the gravity of existence, humans become infinitely small.

Philosophical usage.

2

권력의 엄중한 행사는 오직 법치 안에서만 허용된다.

The grave exercise of power is permitted only within the rule of law.

Restrictive particle -만.

3

비극적 역사의 엄중한 교훈을 잊어서는 안 됩니다.

We must not forget the grave lessons of tragic history.

-어서는 안 되다 (must not).

4

그의 문체는 엄중하면서도 섬세한 기품이 서려 있다.

His writing style is imbued with a grave yet delicate elegance.

-면서도 (while also).

5

생명의 엄중함은 그 무엇과도 바꿀 수 없는 가치이다.

The gravity of life is a value that cannot be traded for anything.

Double negative emphasis.

6

법관은 양심에 따라 엄중히 법을 집행해야 할 의무가 있다.

A judge has the duty to strictly execute the law according to conscience.

Noun '의무' (duty).

7

시대의 흐름이 우리에게 엄중한 결단을 요구하고 있다.

The flow of the times is demanding a grave decision from us.

Personification of 'Flow of times'.

8

진실의 엄중함은 결국 거짓을 이기기 마련이다.

The gravity of truth is bound to eventually defeat lies.

-기 마련이다 (bound to happen).

ترکیب‌های رایج

엄중한 경고
엄중한 처벌
상황이 엄중하다
엄중히 다스리다
엄중한 책임
엄중한 잣대
엄중한 분위기
엄중하게 대처하다
엄중한 실태
엄중한 기로

عبارات رایج

엄중히 문책하다

— To strictly reprimand or hold someone accountable.

상사는 부하 직원을 엄중히 문책했다.

엄중한 선고

— A severe sentence/verdict from a court.

판사는 엄중한 선고를 내렸다.

엄중히 경계하다

— To be strictly on guard or watch out for something.

적의 침입을 엄중히 경계해야 한다.

엄중한 관리

— Strict management or supervision.

시험지는 엄중한 관리 하에 보관된다.

엄중한 단속

— Strict crackdown or enforcement.

음주 운전에 대한 엄중한 단속이 시작됐다.

엄중한 약속

— A solemn promise that must be kept.

이것은 하늘과의 엄중한 약속이다.

엄중히 경고하다

— To give a stern warning.

심판은 선수에게 엄중히 경고했다.

엄중한 표정

— A grave or stern facial expression.

그는 엄중한 표정으로 입을 열었다.

엄중한 요구

— A stern or grave demand.

시민들의 엄중한 요구를 외면하지 마라.

엄중한 현실

— The grave or harsh reality.

우리는 엄중한 현실을 직시해야 한다.

اغلب اشتباه گرفته می‌شود با

엄중하다 vs 심각하다

심각하다 is about the problem's depth; 엄중하다 is about its weight and authority.

엄중하다 vs 엄격하다

엄격하다 is for people/rules; 엄중하다 is for situations/enforcement.

엄중하다 vs 위중하다

위중하다 is exclusively for medical/health criticality.

اصطلاحات و عبارات

"엄중한 심판을 받다"

— To receive a grave judgment (usually from law or history).

그는 역사의 엄중한 심판을 받을 것이다.

Formal
"엄중한 잣대를 들이대다"

— To apply a strict standard/ruler to someone.

타인에게만 엄중한 잣대를 들이대지 마세요.

Neutral/Formal
"엄중한 시국"

— A grave state of national affairs.

엄중한 시국에 파업이 웬 말인가?

Formal/Political
"엄중히 다루다"

— To handle something with extreme care or strictness.

이 문서는 국가 기밀이니 엄중히 다루어라.

Formal
"엄중한 책임감을 느끼다"

— To feel a heavy/grave sense of responsibility.

사고 소식에 엄중한 책임감을 느낍니다.

Formal
"법의 엄중함"

— The majesty/strictness of the law.

법의 엄중함을 보여주어야 합니다.

Formal/Legal
"엄중한 눈초리"

— A stern or watchful gaze.

사람들의 엄중한 눈초리가 느껴졌다.

Neutral
"엄중한 침묵"

— A heavy/solemn silence.

방 안에는 엄중한 침묵이 흘렀다.

Literary
"엄중한 기로에 서다"

— To stand at a grave crossroads/turning point.

경제는 지금 엄중한 기로에 서 있다.

Formal/Economic
"엄중한 교훈을 얻다"

— To learn a grave or harsh lesson.

우리는 실패에서 엄중한 교훈을 얻었다.

Neutral/Formal

به‌راحتی اشتباه گرفته می‌شود

엄중하다 vs 엄격하다

Both mean 'strict'.

엄격하다 describes a person's character or the rules themselves. 엄중하다 describes the gravity of a situation or the sternness of an action.

엄격한 아버지 (Strict father) vs. 엄중한 처벌 (Severe punishment).

엄중하다 vs 심각하다

Both mean 'serious'.

심각하다 is used for any serious problem. 엄중하다 is used when that problem involves authority, law, or grave responsibility.

심각한 오염 (Serious pollution) vs. 엄중한 시국 (Grave state of affairs).

엄중하다 vs 준엄하다

Both mean 'stern'.

준엄하다 is more literary and often used for moral or historical judgment. 엄중하다 is more common in legal and political contexts.

준엄한 꾸짖음 (Stern scolding) vs. 엄중한 경고 (Stern warning).

엄중하다 vs 중대하다

Both imply 'importance'.

중대하다 means 'significant' or 'crucial'. 엄중하다 means 'grave' or 'strictly serious'.

중대한 발견 (Significant discovery) vs. 엄중한 사안 (Grave matter).

엄중하다 vs 가혹하다

Both can mean 'severe'.

가혹하다 has a negative connotation of being 'too harsh' or 'cruel'. 엄중하다 implies a necessary or authoritative strictness.

가혹한 운명 (Harsh fate) vs. 엄중한 법 집행 (Strict law enforcement).

الگوهای جمله‌سازی

B1

N이/가 엄중하다

분위기가 엄중하다.

B1

엄중한 N

엄중한 경고.

B2

엄중하게 V

엄중하게 대처하다.

B2

엄중히 V

엄중히 문책하다.

C1

N의 엄중함

사태의 엄중함.

C1

엄중한 N에 처하다

엄중한 상황에 처하다.

C2

엄중한 N을/를 묻다

엄중한 책임을 묻다.

C2

엄중한 N을/를 면치 못하다

엄중한 처벌을 면치 못하다.

خانواده کلمه

اسم‌ها

엄중함 (gravity/sternness)
엄중 (sternness - root)

فعل‌ها

엄중히 하다 (to make strict/grave)

صفت‌ها

엄중하다 (grave/stern)

مرتبط

엄격 (strictness)
중대 (importance)
위중 (criticality)
심각 (seriousness)
준엄 (sternness)

نحوه استفاده

frequency

High in written/formal Korean; Low in spoken/casual Korean.

اشتباهات رایج
  • 우리 선생님은 엄중해요. 우리 선생님은 엄격해요.

    Use '엄격하다' for people's personalities.

  • 감기가 엄중해서 병원에 갔어요. 감기가 심해서 병원에 갔어요.

    '엄중하다' is not used for common illnesses.

  • 배가 고픈 엄중한 상황입니다. 배가 너무 고파요.

    Using '엄중하다' for minor personal problems sounds overly dramatic/sarcastic.

  • 상황의 엄중을 알고 있습니다. 상황의 엄중함을 알고 있습니다.

    Need the noun suffix -함 to make 'gravity' a proper noun object.

  • 엄중하게 아픈 환자. 상태가 위중한 환자.

    Use '위중하다' for critically ill patients.

نکات

Adverbial Forms

Remember that '엄중히' is the more traditional adverbial form used in formal documents.

Hanja Roots

Knowing that '중' (重) means 'heavy' will help you remember that this word is for 'heavy' situations.

Tone Matters

Use a serious tone of voice when saying this word; it doesn't match a high-pitched, cheerful voice.

Essays

In TOPIK essays, use '엄중한 책임을 통감하다' to express deep responsibility for a social issue.

News Keywords

When you hear '엄중', prepare for news about government warnings or legal actions.

Public Apologies

Notice how celebrities use this word in their apology letters to show they aren't taking their scandal lightly.

Visual Aid

Visualize a massive, heavy iron gate that is strictly guarded.

Strict vs. Grave

If you mean 'strict' as in 'no-nonsense', use '엄격'. If you mean 'grave' as in 'serious consequences', use '엄중'.

Elevate Your Korean

Replacing '심각하다' with '엄중하다' in formal settings immediately elevates your perceived Korean level.

حفظ کنید

روش یادسپاری

Think of an 'Umbrella' (엄) that is 'Heavy' (중). If you don't hold the heavy umbrella strictly, you'll get soaked in a 'grave' storm.

تداعی تصویری

A judge's heavy wooden gavel (representing the 'heavy' and 'strict' nature of the word).

شبکه واژگان

Law Government Warning Punishment Crisis Strict Heavy Grave

چالش

Try to find three news headlines today that use '엄중' and translate what they are warning about.

ریشه کلمه

Derived from Sino-Korean (Hanja) roots. 嚴 (엄) means 'strict, stern, or majestic' and 重 (중) means 'heavy, serious, or important'.

معنای اصلی: Originally used to describe the majestic and strict nature of royal authority or ritualistic gravity.

Sino-Korean

بافت فرهنگی

Avoid using this word for personal illnesses (use 위중하다) or for people's personalities (use 엄격하다).

In English, we might use 'grave' or 'stern,' but '엄중하다' often carries a more official/governmental nuance than 'stern' does in casual English.

Used frequently in the movie 'The Attorney' (변호인) during trial scenes. Commonly found in the 'Annals of the Joseon Dynasty' (조선왕조실록). Often used in K-drama 'Stranger' (비밀의 숲) regarding prosecution affairs.

تمرین در زندگی واقعی

موقعیت‌های واقعی

Legal/Courtroom

  • 엄중한 선고
  • 법의 엄중함
  • 엄중히 처벌하다
  • 엄중한 심판

News/Politics

  • 엄중한 시국
  • 엄중한 경고
  • 상황이 엄중하다
  • 엄중한 기로

Military

  • 엄중한 군기
  • 엄중히 경계하다
  • 엄중한 관리
  • 엄중한 훈계

Business/Formal

  • 엄중한 책임
  • 엄중하게 대처하다
  • 엄중히 문책하다
  • 엄중한 사안

History/Literature

  • 엄중한 교훈
  • 엄중한 침묵
  • 역사의 엄중함
  • 엄중한 잣대

شروع‌کننده‌های مکالمه

"최근의 경제 상황이 매우 엄중해 보이는데 어떻게 생각하세요?"

"이번 사건에 대해 정부가 엄중하게 대처해야 한다고 보시나요?"

"학교 규율이 너무 엄중하다고 느낀 적이 있나요?"

"이런 엄중한 시국에 우리가 할 수 있는 일은 무엇일까요?"

"그 영화의 분위기가 너무 엄중해서 숨이 막히더라고요."

موضوعات نگارش

내가 인생에서 가장 엄중한 책임을 느꼈던 순간에 대해 써보세요.

우리 사회에서 가장 엄중하게 다루어야 할 범죄는 무엇이라고 생각합니까?

역사로부터 우리가 얻어야 할 엄중한 교훈은 무엇입니까?

누군가에게 엄중한 경고를 해야 한다면 어떤 상황일까요?

오늘 뉴스에서 본 '엄중한 상황' 한 가지를 기록해 보세요.

سوالات متداول

10 سوال

No, it's better to use '엄격하다' (eom-gyeok-ha-da) for a person's personality. '엄중하다' is for the situation or the punishment they might give.

In news and formal writing, '엄중히' is very common. In spoken formal Korean, '엄중하게' is used frequently. Both are correct.

No. For health, use '위중하다' (wi-jung-ha-da) if it's life-threatening, or just '심하다' (sim-ha-da) if it's a bad cold.

It is 嚴 (strict) and 重 (heavy). Think of it as 'strictly heavy'.

Only if you are being sarcastic or talking about a very serious news topic. Otherwise, it sounds too stiff.

Mostly, yes, because it relates to crises, warnings, and punishments. However, it can also describe a 'solemn' or 'dignified' atmosphere which isn't necessarily bad.

You say '상황의 엄중함' (sang-hwang-ui eom-jung-ham).

'중요하다' means 'important'. '엄중하다' means 'grave/serious'. A situation can be both, but '엄중하다' sounds much more urgent and strict.

No. Use '비싸다' or '고가이다'. For a 'heavy' price in terms of a metaphor, use '호된 대가'.

Yes, it frequently appears in TOPIK II (Intermediate/Advanced) reading and listening sections, especially in news-related questions.

خودت رو بسنج 200 سوال

writing

Write a sentence using '엄중한 경고'.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Translate: 'The situation is very grave.'

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence using '엄중히 처벌하다'.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Translate: 'I feel a heavy responsibility.'

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Use '엄중함' in a sentence about society.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a formal sentence about a strict rule.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Translate: 'Stern expression'.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence about a grave atmosphere.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Translate: 'Strictly deal with the matter'.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Use '엄중한 시국' in a sentence.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence using '엄중한 잣대'.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Translate: 'Severe punishment cannot be avoided.'

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence about a grave lesson from history.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Translate: 'Grave Crossroads'.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Use '엄중히' to describe an investigation.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence about a solemn promise.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Translate: 'Strictly supervise the exam'.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence about the gravity of truth.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Translate: 'Sternly admonish the student'.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence about a grave reality.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Pronounce correctly: '엄중하다'

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'Stern warning' in Korean.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'The situation is grave' formally.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'Strictly punish' using the adverb '엄중히'.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Read aloud: '법의 엄중함을 보여주어야 합니다.'

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'Grave responsibility' in Korean.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'Stern expression' in Korean.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Explain '엄중하다' simply in Korean.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Read aloud: '엄중한 시국에 모두 조심합시다.'

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'Strict investigation' in Korean.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'Deeply feel responsibility' with '엄중히'.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Read aloud: '역사의 엄중한 심판을 받을 것이다.'

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'Strictly deal with' using '엄중하게'.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'Strict standard' in Korean.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Read aloud: '사안의 엄중함을 고려해야 합니다.'

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'Grave lesson' in Korean.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'Strictly managed' in Korean.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Read aloud: '상황이 매우 엄중합니다.'

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'Stern voice' in Korean.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'Strictly guard' in Korean.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and write: '상황이 엄중합니다.'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and write: '엄중한 경고를 보냅니다.'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and write: '엄중히 처벌하겠습니다.'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and write: '사안의 엄중함을 깨달으세요.'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and write: '엄중한 시국입니다.'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and identify: '엄중' or '심각'?

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and write: '엄중하게 대처할 방침입니다.'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and write: '엄중한 표정으로 말했다.'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and write: '법의 엄중한 심판.'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and write: '엄중한 책임을 묻다.'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and write: '분위기가 엄중해졌다.'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and write: '엄중히 다스려라.'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and write: '엄중한 잣대가 필요하다.'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and write: '엄중한 약속을 지키자.'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and write: '상황이 엄중한 만큼 조심해라.'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:

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